A MAN who beat a youth with a rounders bat has narrowly escaped prison after taking the law into his own hands.

John Edward Frayne took drastic action after becoming convinced his family had been singled out by youths who have forced him out of his neighbourhood.

The family were driven to move 40 miles from their Clare Avenue home after a catalogue of events which included Frayne's wife being mugged at knife-point, their house being raided and their 12-year-old son becoming too frightened to play outside after being beaten up.

Frayne, 57, narrowly escaped prison following his actions on September 3 last year, described by defending solicitor Howard Jones as 'the straw that broke the camel's back'.

Prosecuting Carolyn Viviani told Chester magistrates on Monday how the 15-year-old boy had been walking with his friends at the back of Clare Avenue.

'He and his friends were pushing each other around when one crashed into the gate. They heard abuse, got scared and ran down an alleyway,' she said.

Ms Viviani said the boys split up and the youth, who had seen Frayne follow them with his Alsatian, hid behind a car.

He saw Frayne walk around the car so got up to speak to him. It was then that he was hit with the bat.

Several neighbours witnessed the attack and the boy escaped with a small cut to the side of his head, later complaining of breathing difficulties.

Defending Howard Jones read out a statement from Frayne. He admitted: 'I lost my temper and hit him on the back with a truncheon several times.'

Mr Jones said Frayne, who has had several similar previous convictions, was arrested and admitted his involvement to the police. He told them of the history of problems he has suffered.

He said Frayne felt strongly enough about the incident that he was prepared to elect a Crown Court hearing.

But having denied three initial charges of assault by beating, possessing an offensive weapon in public and affray, he later accepted a substitute Section 4 public order charge of using threatening behaviour offered by the prosecution.

Mr Jones said: 'He has complained to the police about the behaviour of the youths. He appears to have been singled out and has had to move from the area.'

He said the family had previously suffered from a burglary and Frayne had confronted the youths. Following this he acquired a young Alsatian from the RSPCA for the protection of his family.

'Then his wife was attacked and a knife was held to her throat. When they found she didn't have money a rock was thrown at her ankle. This catalogue continued,' added Mr Jones.

He said youths would jump on Frayne's car and at one point a concrete slab was thrown through his car window. He began to park in different areas around Hoole so it wouldn't be targeted. He believed he was being singled out.

On September 3, Frayne claimed the youths were trying to annoy his dog by kicking his fence.

'His son was scared to go out and play and his wife was reluctant to walk in the streets,' said Mr Jones.

He said Frayne was no stranger to the court system but had been out of trouble for a while and was upset to have to leave the area.

'He has been trying to lead a lawful life,' he added.

Mr Jones said Frayne had involved police in the past but the problems had persisted.

Sentencing, chairman of the bench Professor David Bull said: 'We note the exacerbation that has been involved. This is a very serious case with a weapon being involved. We believe this is so serious that only a custodial sentence would be appropriate.'

However, under such 'exceptional circumstances,' Frayne was given a three-month suspended custodial sentence and was ordered to pay £20 costs.